SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Maximize seed starting with a seed starting chart

Seedlings

by Melinda Myers

Now is the time when many of us are busy ordering seeds. We often end up with many seeds, some new ones we needed or wanted and perhaps a few duplicates of those we have left from past seasons. It is easy to overlook some of these as the indoor and outdoor planting season begins.

Save money by inventorying your current seed collection, reducing the risk of ordering seeds you don’t need. Decide what seeds you want to keep and grow this season and those you want to pass along to or swap with gardening friends. You may choose to make seed art with older or improperly stored seeds and invest in fresh seeds that are sure to germinate.

If in doubt, check the seed viability of older stored seeds with a simple germination test. Wrap ten seeds in a damp paper towel and place them inside a plastic bag. Check the seeds in a week or so to see how many sprout. If all the seeds sprout, follow the planting guidelines on the seed packets. When only half the seeds sprout, you will need to plant the seeds twice as thick and so on.

Check catalogs and your favorite garden center for any seeds you need to purchase. Place your order early for the best selection.

Once the seeds arrive, look at the back of the packet to determine when to start the seeds indoors or out. Many seed companies now provide this information on their website instead of the seed packet. Check with your local University Extension website for recommended planting dates in your area.

Record the start date on your calendar, garden chart, or spreadsheet to make the process easier. Consider organizing your seeds to make it easier to find and plant them at the proper time. You may want to organize the seeds in alphabetical order or by the month for planting. Design a system that works best for you.

You can create your own seed storage organizer or purchase one. Store the seeds in a cool dark location in an airtight container to help maintain their viability and keep them safe from mice.

Once your seed starting schedule is created and seeds are organized, prepare the space for starting seeds indoors if needed. Make sure your grow lights are in working order and you have sufficient containers, flats, and seed starting mix for planting.

Save money by repurposing yogurt, applesauce, and similar food containers into seed starting pots. Just clean and add drainage holes. Look for used cell packs, flats, and small pots that can be used again. Disinfect these by soaking them in a one-part bleach and nine-part water solution for ten minutes then rinse with clear water. Repurposing saves you money and helps reduce plastic waste and the risk of disease that could kill your seedlings.

Taking time to plan and organize now can save you money while helping you maximize the productivity and beauty of your gardens.

Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, Revised Edition, and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.